AD/A320/59 Amdt 1 - Central Fuselage, Frame and Frame Feet at Frames FR37 Through FR41

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Australian Parliament, aim to ensure the safety and regulation of civil aviation within Australia. One such regulation, outlined in Part 39, specifically addresses the airworthiness of aircraft through directives, including those for Airbus Industrie A319, A320, and A321 series aeroplanes. This legislative instrument, F2006B01947, was introduced to address a problem identified with the central fuselage, frame, and frame feet at specific frames (FR37 through FR41) of these aircraft models, where cracks were discovered around fastener holes. The policy objective is to mandate inspections and corrective actions to ensure these aircraft remain airworthy and safe for operation. Compliance with the directive is required in accordance with specified thresholds, instructions, and repeat inspection requirements as outlined in the Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1141, ensuring that the identified issues are properly addressed until the installation of specific Airbus modifications.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandate the compliance of all Airbus Industrie A319, A320, and A321 series aeroplanes that have not been equipped with specific Airbus modifications or service bulletins. This legislation applies to aircraft that lack modifications 25896, 25592, or 25593 installed in production, or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1128. The directive requires these aircraft to undergo inspection according to Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1141, referencing DGAC AD 98-509-123(B). Compliance is contingent on adhering to the thresholds and instructions outlined in the Requirement Document, and inspections must be repeated until Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1128 is accomplished. This Airworthiness Directive became effective on 25 March 1999, addressing issues such as cracks found around fastener holes between frames FR37 and FR41 during inspections of the left and right-hand side frame feet, in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1025. The initial issue of this directive was effective from 17 August 1995, underscoring its ongoing relevance to ensuring the airworthiness of specified Airbus aircraft.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39, Section 105, includes Airworthiness Directives that govern the maintenance and safety of various aircraft types. One such directive, AD/A320/59 Amendment 1, pertains to Airbus Industrie A319, A320, and A321 series aeroplanes. This directive focuses on the central fuselage, frame, and frame feet at specific frames (FR37 through FR41) (105(1)). It mandates that inspections must be conducted in accordance with Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1141 (105(2)). The directive applies to all A319, A320, and A321 aircraft that have not been equipped with specific Airbus modifications (25896, 25592, or 25593) or Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1128 (105(3)). The obligations under this directive include conducting inspections at specified intervals to identify and address any potential issues with the central fuselage and frame feet. These inspections must follow the detailed procedures outlined in Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1141, ensuring that any detected cracks or other structural concerns are properly addressed. The compliance with this directive requires adherence to the defined thresholds, inspection instructions, and repeat inspection requirements set out in the requirement document, continuing until the installation of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-53-1128 (105(4)). This ongoing vigilance ensures the safety and airworthiness of the affected aircraft. Failure to comply with the Airworthiness Directive AD/A320/59 Amendment 1 can result in significant consequences. Non-compliance may lead to safety risks, potentially resulting in aircraft being grounded or restricted from operation until the required inspections and repairs are completed. The penalties for non-compliance are not explicitly stated in the directive, but they can include substantial fines and potential criminal charges under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, depending on the severity of the breach and its impact on aviation safety. The maximum penalties for such offences can include fines of up to $210,000 for individuals and $1,050,000 for corporations, along with possible imprisonment terms (105(5)).